Mount Dora Mayor requests firing of City Manager

Last night’s regular Mount Dora City Council meeting was anything but regular.  Nearing the end of the agenda, Mayor Crissy Stile abruptly and without context asked City Manager Patrick Comiskey if he wished to resign.  Comiskey declined, so Stile sought to fire him, but lacked the support of the rest of the Council.  

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A lengthy, calm, and at times awkward discussion ensued about Comiskey’s performance and the list of alleged grievances from Stile.  Rather than immediate termination, the remaining six members of the City Council instead sought a tempered, fact-finding approach to vet the list of grievances and allow the City Manager to express his version of events.  

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Comiskey, who was hired in November, 2021, has been a controversial manager since last summer, when some employees and members of the public voiced specific concerns to the mayor and some members of the council about Comiskey’s fitness for the City’s top job.  Despite the shared information, the elected officials unanimously gave Comiskey high praise and a raise which frustrated some long-time employees.  Last night, almost a year after their concerns were expressed to elected officials, their sentiments were echoed for the first time in the council chamber.

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After the lengthy discussion by all council members, a motion passed (7-0) to appoint Councilmember Dennis Dawson to work with the City’s Human Resources Department to create a confidential survey for employees that report directly to the City Manager.   The goal of the survey is to provide input on Comiskey’s actions and performance, identify areas for growth and improvement, as well as help determine if the Mayor’s allegations are valid.  The City Council’s motion also approved getting assistance from The Florida League of Cities to assist in properly addressing performance-related issues and developing a reasonable "growth plan."

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Over the last two years, the City has also been criticized for decreased transparency.  As a result it can be challenging for the public to gain timely access to information.  By contrast, the mayor stated at last night’s meeting that she was able to get public records within a week, yet members of the public can wait over a month while the timeliness of the requested information passes during the delay.

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An agreement between the City Manager and City Council may not be reached, and if that happens, the City Council can fire Comiskey or he may opt to resign.   If he is terminated, his contract will determine if there is a severance package. 

The situation is similar to what transpired with former Mount Dora City Manager Robin Hayes.  Members of the public and employees sounded alarm bells concerning Hayes’ performance, while she continued to garner strong support from the council for several months.  In 2021, the City and Hayes parted ways. 

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